Tot TV Watch

Ni Hao, Kai-lan is a relatively new Nick Jr. show for preschoolers (~ages 2 to 5). It was originally supposed to start back in October 2007, but it did not first air until earlier this month on February 7, 2008 (Chinese New Year’s). The main character in the show is Kai-lin, who is a 5 year-old Chinese-American girl. The show presents Chinese culture as well as incorporates some Chinese Mandarin words. The show encourages viewers to interact and help develop their problem solving skills by helping the characters find solutions to their dilemmas. This show builds on Nick Jr.’s other shows that show multicultural children (Dora the Explorer and Go, Deigo,Go) and presents it in a new context of Chinese American culture. This show focuses a lot on emotions such as understanding emotions and how to control your emotions. This emphasis is based on the Chinese cultural tradition that it is a good thing to be calm and content. The context of the show’s characters being preschoolers and the episodes events being relevant to preschoolers today makes it easy for preschool viewers to relate to the characters and learn about emotions and relevant social skills.

The Nick Jr. website for this show also has some great activities to do with your preschooler to have fun beyond watching this show, such as Paper Lantern templates and a Paper Dragon craft.

The show airs weekdays on Nickelodeon at 11am Pacific and Eastern time.

Episode List as of 2/15/08:

Episode 1: Dragonboat Festival
Episode 2: Twirly Whirly Flyers
Episode 3: Tolee’s Rhyme Time
Episode 4: The Ant Playground
Episode 5: Wait, Hoho, Wait!
Episode 6: Kai-lan’s Campout
Episode 7: Happy Chinese New Year!

On September 3rd, 2007, PBS Kids will debut WordWorld, a new 3-D animated series that encourages kids to become friends with words. Funded in part by the U.S. Department of Education, WordWorld makes learning to read fun. In the series words are brought to life through a patent-pending methodology that embeds words into the objects they represent. When a word is formed correctly, it morphs into the character or object that it represents, creating a new learning experience. The WordFriends–Dog, Sheep, Frog, Duck, Pig, and Ant–help kids explore the world of words while also focusing on social-emotional lessons and literacy-based skills such as letter recognition and phonological awareness.

It sounds like a really great concept, but one of those that I’ll have to see before I can decide what I think. Don’t forget to tune in to PBS Kids on September 3rd to check it out.

Update:  Mom Gadget has a great review on WordWorld up today.  Go check it out and see what she has to say about it.

PBS Kids, WordWorld, WordFriends, Premiere

It’s been a little bit harder getting back into the groove of things than I expected. Part of that has to do with the condition I left things in and the other part has to do with a certain two year old who seems to be quite off schedule. He doesn’t want to go to bed at night, which means I don’t get my precious computer time and then he doesn’t want to get up in the morning. All of this is really throwing me off and not allowing me to bring you the latest Tot TV news.

Thanks to my routine being all out of whack, I’m a bit late bringing you the information about Nick Jr.’s four week long Dance Party. The big party started on Monday, the 23rd, but it will continue through Friday, August 17th. During the Nick Jr. Dance Party, you can catch music and dance themed episodes from Dora the Explorer, The Wonder Pets, Blue’s Clues, and The Backyardigans. Each week, Nick Jr. will also be premiering one never-before-seen music video from the upcoming new series Yo Gabba Gabba!, which will debut in August.

The Nick Jr. Dance Party episodes will air as follows:

– Monday, July 23 - Friday, July 27 - Five music-themed Dora the Explorer episodes everyday at 9:00 a.m., beginning with the premiere of “La Maestra de Musica” on July 23.

— Monday, July 30 - Friday, August 3 - Five episodes of The Wonder Pets! featuring Ming Ming’s greatest musical adventures will air everyday at 11:00 a.m.

– Monday, August 6 - Friday, August 10 - Five episodes of Blue’s Clues featuring Blue’s biggest musical moments will air everyday at 10:00 a.m.

– Monday, August 13 - Friday, August 17 - Five episodes of The Backyardigans featuring some of the best dance moves from the five backyard pals will air everyday at 10:30 a.m.

Kids and parents can also log on to the Nick Jr. website to vote for their favorite music video of the week. Each Friday, Nick Jr. will announce the results of the favorite video votes on air.

Nick Jr. Dance Party, Dora the Explorer, The Wonder Pets, Blue’s Clues, The Backyardigans, Yo Gabba Gabba!, video, music, dance

Nick Jr. is kicking off summer with four new episodes of your favorite preschool shows. New episodes of Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go!, the Backyardigans, and the Wonder Pets will air during Beach Party Week Monday, June 25th through June 29th. Catch a new episode each day during Beach Party Week, then watch them all again in a mini-marathon on Friday from 9:00-11:00 a.m ET/PT. The episodes will air as follows:

Monday, June 25 (9:00 a.m.) - Dora the Explorer “Baby Crab”
* Dora and Boots are having a blast at the beach when they hear a call for help. A baby crab is stuck in a net! Dora finds a pair of scissors inside Backpack and frees the crab, but as he scurries off, he realizes he forgot which way to go. Dora and Boots take him through the Squishy Squid’s Musical Sand Castle, over a mountain of rhythmically snapping clams, and across the ocean to his Mami on Crab Island.

Tuesday, June 26 (9:00 a.m.) - Go, Diego, Go! “An Underwater Mystery”
* Diego and Alicia are exploring the ocean in the Rescue Center Submarine when they hear a cry for help. Using Click, the duo find a mystery fish named Lucy who has lost her way. In order to bring her back home, Diego and Alicia must determine what kind of fish Lucy is by finding clues. They discover Lucy has 3,000 teeth, skin with spots and stripes and a tail she wiggles from side to side. What could she be?

Wednesday, June 27 (9:00 a.m.) - The Backyardigans “Into the Deep”
* In their incredible submarine, deep-sea explorers Tyrone and Pablo, plunge to the deepest part of the ocean to discover a rare mermaid. Meanwhile, mermaids Tasha and Uniqua will do anything to protect their mermaid garden from intruders. Set to a Bollywood soundtrack, an exhilarating underwater chase ensues until the mermaids realize that all the scientists want to do is capture them — on film!

Thursday, June 28 (9:00 a.m.) - The Wonder Pets! “Save the Goldfish”
* The Wonder Pets fly to a child’s bedroom where a pet baby goldfish in an aquarium is trapped inside a bubbling treasure chest. The trio dive into the aquarium to search for the goldfish and encounter a toy mermaid and toy statue of Neptune, King of the Water. They finally reach the trapped fish and try unsuccessfully to use Neptune’s trident to lift open the treasure chest. The Wonder Pets then find a set of keys hanging on the toy pirate and use teamwork to unlock the chest and save the baby goldfish.

Nick Jr., Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go, Backyardigans, Wonder Pets, Beach Party Week

Who’s on your kids’ “Most Wanted” list?  The folks over at Nick Jr. have a few ideas.  On Monday, June 4th, and Friday, June 8th, you can tune in to Nick Jr. to watch episodes of your kids’ favorite shows featuring the best of the bad guys.  From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. you can catch Swiper swiping things from Dora, the Bobo’s shaking things up for Diego, and The Backyardigans pretending to be some pretty naughty villains.

Nick Jr., Swiper, Dora the Explorer, Bobo Brothers, Go Diego Go, Backyardigans

I’m pretty sure I’ve never met a little girl who didn’t love fairy tales. What’s not to like about beautiful princesses and magical stories? I even know a few boys who have been known to sit down and read a fairy tale or watch one on TV (just don’t tell them I let the secret out). This week on Nick Jr. your little Prince or Princess can get their fill of special fairy tale episodes of their favorite shows. On Monday, May 21st, and Friday, May 25th, between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. you can watch fairy tale specials of Dora the Explorer, Blue’s Clues, and Max and Ruby.

Nickjr.com is also offering several fairy tale print-and-play activities. With a little help from Mom or Dad, kids can make their very own Dora Fairy Princess Crown and Star Wand or print out a special fairy tale fiesta activity pack.

Fairy tale, princess, magic, prince, Dora the Explorer, Blues Clues, Max and Ruby, fairy princess crown, star wand

PBS Kids Sprout announced last week that they will be adding a new afternoon block, The Let’s Go Show, to their preschool line-up.  The new interactive show will debut on Monday, June 25th, and will encourage kids to ask questions, be curious about the world around them, and participate in a daily musical adventure.

(Image: http://www.fishwithfeet.com)

The Let’s Go Show, airing weekedays from 3:00-6:00 EDT, will be hosted by Miles (Milton Barnes) and his puppy friend Banjo.  Each day, the two of them will embark on a new musical journey where they will make many new discoveries, play, and learn.  After each show, kids can go to SproutOnline.com to find out more about the questions posed on the show.

Here are some of the things you can expect to see on The Let’s Go Show:

– Learn a song and have a “boogie woogie break” at Music Hill;
— Enjoy a special healthy snack prepared for them by Brussel Sprout at the Sprout Diner Field;
— Create age-appropriate science experiments at Wonder Why Valley;
— Encourage viewers to become “Sprout Scouts” by helping Miles and Banjo find their way to each location by asking questions;
— Inspire kids to be creative and discover all the great things they can make and do at home with their parents and caregivers.

PBS Kids, Sprout, Preschool, The Let’s Go Show, Miles, Milton Barns, Banjo

Playhouse Disney’s new computer animated series My Friends Tigger and Pooh is set to premiere Saturday, May 12. Much like Disney’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, My Friends Tigger and Pooh will feature classic characters with an updated look that is sure to attract young viewers.

The new show will feature Winnie-the-Pooh, Tigger, and all of their classic friends, as well as newcomer Darby and her dog Buster. Darby is a 6-year-old red-haired girl who is a bit of a tomboy. Along with her new friends, she will explore and discover the Hundred Acre Woods.

Each episode of My Friends Tigger and Pooh will consist of two 11-minute stories, sing-a-longs, and repeated theme music. The show will tackle problem solving on a preschool level and explore educational themes. It will cover concepts such as how to work with others, resisting the urge for immediate gratification, the value of patience and reasoning, and a sense of responsibility to the environment and community.

Games, video clips, and activities, including a printable Super Sleuth Pack, can be found on Playhouse Disney online.

Tune in for the premiere episode Saturday, May 12th, at 10:00/9:00c and another new episode Sunday, May 13th.

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May 7-11 is Mystery week on Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Mickey and his pals need some super sleuth skills to help them solve a new mystery every day.

Mickey Mouse and his friends at the clubhouse have come a long way since they originally debuted. In the new CG animated Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, kids help Mickey, Goofy, Minnie, Daisy, Donald, and Pluto solve a problem each day using basic skills appropriate for the preschool set. The show presents cognitive, creative, and social learning opportunities. It also features two original songs by They Might Be Giants, including the opening theme song.

Tune in each day this week at 7:30/8:30c to watch the following episodes:

* Monday, May 7 - Mickey-Go-Seek
* Tuesday, May 8 - Daisy Bo Peep
* Wednesday, May 9 - Donald and the Beanstalk
* Thursday, May 10 - Pluto’s Ball
* Friday, May 11 - Mickey’s Treasure Hunt

Kids can also play Mickey’s Treasure Hunt and print out coloring pages at Playhouse Disney online.

Mickey Mouse, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, They Might Be Giants , Goofy, Minnie, Daisy, Donald, Pluto, Disney, Playhouse Disney, mystery, sleuth

Johnny and the Sprites is a refreshing change of pace from the usual animated shows that grace my television. It combines live-action, puppetry, and music sure to entertain your preschooler. The full-length show premiered on Playhouse Disney earlier this year after positive viewer reactions to the five-minute shorts airing on the Disney Channel. It was recently renewed for a second season that will begin filming in the Fall of 2007.

The show follows the story of Johnny T (Tartaglia), a musician who has moved to the country to find some peace and quiet and focus on his music. What he didn’t expect to find was a portal to an enchanted world inhabited by little creatures called Sprites right in his backyard. The Sprites - Ginger, Basil, Lily, Root, and Sage - keep Johnny occupied and entertained during the day. Johnny never minds spending time with his new friends and often helps them solve their problems. Sometimes they even help Johnny solve some of his own problems.

Johnny and the Sprites learn a lot from each other during their daily festivities in Grotto’s Grove. Johnny often uses his music to teach the Sprites about things such as patience, manners, friendship, and self-esteem. Each one of the Sprites represents a component of nature such as air, earth, and water, which often leads to discoveries about nature and the environment.

Each episode of Johnny and the Sprites contains two 11-minute stories, as well as original Broadway-style music that is appealing to children and adults alike. It airs on Playhouse Disney Saturdays and Sundays (check local listings for time).

Johnny and the Sprites, Johnny T, Johnny Tartaglia, music, environment, nature, friendship, self-esteem, Playhouse Disney, Disney Channel, puppetry

It’s A Big Big World is an interesting title for a show that focuses on a single tree community. However, when you look a little closer, you see that the tree represents the world on a larger scale. The World Tree is home to a variety of animals including Snook, an energetic tree sloth who helps his friends learn about the world around them; Burdette, a Quetzal bird who is a bit of a know-it-all; Smooch and Winslow, a pair of sibling Marmosets who like to stir things up; Madge, a turtle with a map of the world on her shell; Bob, a Southern Tamandua who loves ants and likes to stir things up; Ick, the crabby catfish who lives in the water hole at the bottom of the tree; Oko, an old Howler Monkey and Tai Chi master; and Wartz, the agreeable Red-Eyed Tree Frog. Each animal has different characteristics and contributes to the tree community in their own way. Amazingly, all of the animals manage to get along and live in harmony, even with their differences.

In the World Tree, the tallest tree in the rain forest, Snook and his friends have many adventures and learn about the world using the methods of scientific investigation. It’s a Big Big World helps kids learn about animals and science through the process of discovery and promotes a better understanding of geography, environment, and community. Each episode also includes original music that features sounds from around the world. The show is produced using the patented Shadowmation, a combination of puppetry and computer generated animation. The result is a high-definition picture with very vivid colors.

After viewing the show, kids can go to the It’s A Big Big World web site to play games and find other activites that build on the ideas presented in the show.

While I will admit that the show moved a little slow for me, it does appear to accomplish its goals of teaching children ages three to six about science and the environment. When you are tired of ABC’s and 123’s, it is definitely a worthy alternative.

It’s A Big Big World can be seen on PBS Kids. Check local listings for times.

It’s A Big Big World, Shadowmation, science, environment, geography, scientific method, animals, World Tree, community, PBS Kids

In the new CG animated series from Phew! Ltd, Foothill Ent., and Kaleidoscope Ent., a young alligator and his jungle friends will educate children about environmental issues. Snapper will focus on issues such as global warming, alternative fuels, and sustainable living, while also exploring friendships and honesty.

Snapper is a little alligator who has been raised in the Amazon treetops by Akimbo the monkey and McCaw the parrot. Snapper learned to be just like them and is now searching to find his true identity as an alligator. Together, the three characters run the Snappy Delivery Service on the Maricombo River. Snapper tends to get into trouble along the way but always makes it to his destination.

Snapper is aimed at the 4-7 year-old crowd. Along with the prominent themes of environment, friendships, and honesty, it will also encourage adventure and imagination.

Snapper has been under development for some time at Phew! and they feel that now is the right time for it as interest in environmental issues continues to grow. It was designed as a multi-media property with internet and mobile applications in mind. With Foothill and Kaleidoscope now on board they are ready to push forward.

Snapper, Phew! Ltd, Foothill Entertainment, Kaleidoscope Entertainment, Amazon, jungle, Maricombo River, Akimbo, McCaw, environment, global warming, alternative fuels, sustainable living, friendship, honesty, adventure

American Greetings Properties and DIC Entertainment have teamed up to launch a new Saturday morning programming block on CBS.  The block will feature new updated versions of Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake, as well a brand new series called Sushi Pack.

Viewers can expect to see 52 new 11-minute episodes of Care Bears.  All of your favorite characters from Care-A-Lot will be there with an updated contemporary look.

Strawberry Shortcake will delight little girls everywhere with her sense of adventure and joy.  There will be 26 22-minute episodes in the Saturday morning series.

Sushi Pack, the new animated series for kids ages 6-11, features five crime-fighting pieces of sushi.  The members of the Sushi Pack aim to protect Wharf City from villains in 52 action-packed 11-minute episodes.

Jeffrey Conrad, Senior Vice President, Creative for American Greetings Properties states, “We are excited about bringing the new look of Care Bears to another generation of kids, as well as introducing the brand new Sushi Pack and showcasing our timeless Strawberry Shortcake through this new programming.”

The three new series will compliment CBS’s existing programming beginning in September 2007.

American Greetings Properties, DIC Entertainment, CBS, Saturday morning, Care Bears, Strawberry Shortcake, Sushi Pack, Jeffrey Conrad

(Source: Nickelodeon)
One of the most common complaints I hear about children’s television is that it encourages kids to sit in front of the TV instead of being active and using their imagination.  TV shows and video games are often cited as some of the leading causes of childhood obesity and other pediatric health problems.

In 2005, Nickelodeon partnered with the Alliance for a Healthier Generation to try to combat this problem.  The “Let’s Just Play” initiative was formed to encourage kids to engage in healthy and active lifestyles.  Using Nickelodeon’s multimedia platforms, the group has been able to spread their message and reach millions of kids.

Beginning Sunday, April 29, at 8:30 p.m. ET/PT, Nickelodeon will premiere the second season of its Let’s Just Play Go Healthy Challenge.  The six month series, airing during TeenNICK, will showcase real kids participating in a challenge to live a healthier lifestyle.  It will feature two 12-year-olds, Kenderick and April, as they participate in the challenge to become healthier.  It will also include a revolving third storyline each month that will focus on an individual or group of kids working to improve health and wellness in their personal lives or communities.  Various NFL players will also appear in the new “Workout Like a Pro” segments, where they will provide fitness tips.

This year’s challenge will include all new multimedia content and tools online to help kids participate.  Beginning April 5th, kids can download a personalized tracker to their desktops to help them track their progress during the Let’s Just Play Go Healthy Challenge.  The tracker includes a list of favorite activities and healthy food options.  Kids can use the tracker and an online e-calendar to keep their activities and healthy habits organized.

In order to reach the most viewers, the Let’s Just Play Go Healthy Challenge will be available on multiple platforms.  TurboNick will be streaming the full episodes, along with behind-the-scenes footage of the challengers.  Episodes will also be available as free downloads from iTunes and made available  on video-on-demand platforms.  Profiles of Kenderick and April will also be featured in the April and May issues of Nickelodeon Magazine.

While the television segments may be aimed at the elementary and tween/teen crowd, I think parents can also adapt many of the healthy habits showcased for the younger audience as well.  There is no reason that your toddlers and preschoolers can’t start learning healthy habits early on.

TV, television, video games, childhood obesity, health, Nickelodeon, Alliance for a Healthier Generation, Let’s Just Play, Go Healthy Challenge, TeenNICK, Kenderick, April, NFL, Workout like a Pro, multimedia, TurboNick, iTunes, Nickelodeon Magazine

It’s Totally Tasha Week for The Backyardigans and Nick Jr. will be airing episodes featuring Tasha all week long.

Tasha is the fun-loving yet authoritative yellow hippo on the Backyardigans. She tends to come across as a know-it-all and is a little bossy at times, but she really just wants to have some fun with her friends. In the episodes airing this week you can see Tasha fighting to get her way, but she’s really no different than any other preschooler who only sees things from their own view.

Here are the episodes you’ll see this week:

“Save the Day”
April 16 at 10:30 a.m.
Tasha, the world’s most determined fisher-lady, is saved repeatedly from sharks and sinking boats by the ever-vigilant Harbor Patrollers Uniqua, Tyrone, and Pablo. Still, she insists on fishing in dangerous places.

“Viking Voyage”
April 17 at 10:30 a.m.
Pablo, Tyrone, and Uniqua are Vikings on a voyage of discovery, when they run into wild weather and a mermaid (Tasha) who blocks their way. Will they break free to discover new territory or is this a voyage to nowhere?

“The Legend of the Volcano Sisters”
April 18 at 10:30 a.m.
The Luau brothers (Austin, Pablo, and Tyrone) must prevent the Volcano sisters (Tasha and Uniqua) from blowing their tops by presenting them with a special gift. Will their luau become a legend or just legendary?

“The Tea Party”
April 19 at 10:30 a.m.
Tasha’s plan for tea party doesn’t excite the others, but zipping ’round the world to find just the right touches might suit them to a “tea.”

“Cops & Robots”
April 20 at 10:30 a.m.
It’s a robotic chase through space, as “The Bad Bots,” Tasha and Pablo, travel to the Floating Robot Factory to reprogram all the world’s robots from good to bad.

The Backyardigans, Nick Jr., Tasha, Totally Tasha Week, episodes